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Alan M. Turing: Centenary Edition
‘In a short life he accomplished much, and to the roll of great names in the history of his particular studies added his own.' So is described one of the greatest figures of the twentieth century, yet Alan Turing's name was not widely recognised until his contribution to the breaking of the German Enigma code became public in the 1970s. The story of Turing's life fascinates and in the years since his suicide, Turing's reputation has only grown, as his contributions to logic, mathematics, computing, artificial intelligence and computational biology have become better appreciated. To commemorate the centenary of Turing's birth, this republication of his mother's biography is enriched by a new foreword by Martin Davis and a never-before-published memoir by Alan's older brother. The contrast between this memoir and the original biography reveals tensions and sheds new light on Turing's relationship with his family, and on the man himself.
194 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1959
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
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April 29, 2023- I understand the thought, but it seems like kind of a bummer to have a bitten apple as the cover illustration. Would you illustrate a biography of Shelley with a picture of a sailboat? A biography of Sylvia Plath with a picture of a stove? A biography of Chrysippus with a picture of a donkey eating some figs?
- Amused at all the reviewers complaining about how this book presents too rose-coloured a view of Turing. Of course she's biased in favour of her subject! What kind of books do you all expect your mom would write about you if you died young and tragically?
- Also amused at his brother's "I'm going to provide a more balanced and nuanced account of my brother's life" afterword, and then it's just like "My mom will have you believe that Alan was perfect. But actually, nobody's perfect. We can't appreciate my brother's genius without also acknowledging his fatal flaw, which was that he really bugged me. Also, I hate gay people." Okay.
- Amused at all the reviewers complaining about how this book presents too rose-coloured a view of Turing. Of course she's biased in favour of her subject! What kind of books do you all expect your mom would write about you if you died young and tragically?
- Also amused at his brother's "I'm going to provide a more balanced and nuanced account of my brother's life" afterword, and then it's just like "My mom will have you believe that Alan was perfect. But actually, nobody's perfect. We can't appreciate my brother's genius without also acknowledging his fatal flaw, which was that he really bugged me. Also, I hate gay people." Okay.
December 13, 2017
the biography itself was relatively interesting, but this could have done without the extremely homophobic afterword.
August 5, 2024
I rather enjoyed reading this book; the life of Alan Turing is most interesting. Reading about his life from start to finish from his Mother's perspective is, I believe, a very important piece in the puzzle of constructing a picture of A.Turing's life. However, it is this very fact - namely that the book is written by his mother (Sara Turing) - which hinders its overall potency.
From the biography, or some may say hagiography(!), one can gather that S.Turing loved her son and believed him to be a genius from an early age - or at least she managed to convince herself of this later in life. She paints him as the archetypal young genius: bad school reports, shoddy looking, individual and the list goes on. Although, one part which seems rather striking to me is that she didn't seem to spend much time at all with her own children and left them in foster care for the majority of each year. This, to me, suggests that her knowledge of her son is far from complete.
This book represented the view that S.Turing had conjured up later in life to alter the memory of her son. For example, there is no mention of A.Turing's homosexuality along with a flat out refusal to believe that he committed suicide and retained the view that it was accidental. Both of these elements are pivotal, in my opinion, to understanding A.Turing.
The book concluded with a short word from A.Turing's brother - John Turing. This is somewhat more tart than the text it follows and includes his admission to his dislike of homosexuals - though, not surprising for the period. It is also revealed that, upon reading Alan's psychiatry notes, he had a strong dislike for his mother. Another mark showing S.Turing's true distance from her son.
I have given this three stars - although, in truth, two stars may be more appropriate - mainly due to the subject of the biography. Personally, I find it most interesting to discover more about A.Turing's mathematical work; additionally, the letter from J.Turing at the end puts the majority of the text into a much clearer perspective. However, the overwhelming message that I have taken away is that Alan Turing's mother did not know her son; he had been a misunderstood man, living with the worries that come with homosexuality in the 20th Century which culminated in him taking his own life (I don't claim this to be the reason of his committing suicide), but leaving behind an academic legacy to be marvelled at.
(Note: I would read this as a supplement to a larger, more general, biography of Alan Turing)
From the biography, or some may say hagiography(!), one can gather that S.Turing loved her son and believed him to be a genius from an early age - or at least she managed to convince herself of this later in life. She paints him as the archetypal young genius: bad school reports, shoddy looking, individual and the list goes on. Although, one part which seems rather striking to me is that she didn't seem to spend much time at all with her own children and left them in foster care for the majority of each year. This, to me, suggests that her knowledge of her son is far from complete.
This book represented the view that S.Turing had conjured up later in life to alter the memory of her son. For example, there is no mention of A.Turing's homosexuality along with a flat out refusal to believe that he committed suicide and retained the view that it was accidental. Both of these elements are pivotal, in my opinion, to understanding A.Turing.
The book concluded with a short word from A.Turing's brother - John Turing. This is somewhat more tart than the text it follows and includes his admission to his dislike of homosexuals - though, not surprising for the period. It is also revealed that, upon reading Alan's psychiatry notes, he had a strong dislike for his mother. Another mark showing S.Turing's true distance from her son.
I have given this three stars - although, in truth, two stars may be more appropriate - mainly due to the subject of the biography. Personally, I find it most interesting to discover more about A.Turing's mathematical work; additionally, the letter from J.Turing at the end puts the majority of the text into a much clearer perspective. However, the overwhelming message that I have taken away is that Alan Turing's mother did not know her son; he had been a misunderstood man, living with the worries that come with homosexuality in the 20th Century which culminated in him taking his own life (I don't claim this to be the reason of his committing suicide), but leaving behind an academic legacy to be marvelled at.
(Note: I would read this as a supplement to a larger, more general, biography of Alan Turing)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2022
Yes, well worthy of five stars from me. I have been interested in Alan Turing's story for many years - indeed, his home of Hollymeade, as was, is quite close to where I live and I have passed it on many occasions. In this book Alan's mother writes a homage to her youngest son and whether they did get on quite as famously as she thought, is up for conjecture - particularly if you read the afterword written by Alan's older brother. Alan was different, that's for certain, and gifted. His talents are perhaps better known now than at any point in his earlier life. It is, I think, deserved. I am drawn to what happened on the fateful day when Alan was found at his home and cannot make up my own mind on what I believe to be the truth of the matter. Time travel here would be a marvellous thing. I mention in passing that my play, 'Any Other Day', sets out to show the man rather than the codebreaker. The play is set it in the garden of Hollymeade in the days following Alan's death. Alan makes an appearance. I hope he would have liked it.
July 8, 2012
I'm not sure that this book should have been published. Mrs Turing obviously knew very little about her son and was not involved in his life. It appears, from comments his brother John made, that Alan was not fond of his mother. Her account of his life is mainly taken from Hodge's book and there's little new in her biography. It's as if she realized that some people told her he was famous and so she tried to respond accordingly but had little understanding about any aspect of his life. She made him look like a saint when in reality she was embarrassed by his eccentricities. If you want to learn about Turing then read something else. The few pages comprising John Turing's opinion are rather interesting in what they reveal both about Alan and about John. Obviously no love lost there either. Interesting to learn that Alan kept notebooks detailing his thoughts about his mother at the suggestion of the psychiatrist who treated him in Manchester.
May 29, 2020
Not what i was expecting at all.
A very one-sided biography by the subject's mother and brother.
If you want to learn about Alan Turing then please look elsewhere.
A very one-sided biography by the subject's mother and brother.
If you want to learn about Alan Turing then please look elsewhere.
December 31, 2017
This book is presented as a biography by a mother of his son.
Book was originally published as a collection of information by his mother for the people writing Alan's biography in future, so they could utilize these records in future. The book majorly is divided into two sections : one main biographical by Sara Turing and other by John Turing. One can clearly tell Alan's mother was very proud of him, it was too much distraction from his actual personality trait, which clearly his mother was not aware of. Of all the letters and records that are cited by Sara, none of them talks about his sexuality and engagement. Which, Alan himself said was a 'simple' part of him. There are gaps like this, which are addressed by the brother John to complete the entire picture. This book gives a reader a perspective of more about the way his family perceived him. For his mother, he was the intelligent good kid.
It's still an interesting read, the information of all the period when his father was posted overseas and his mother wrote letters is raw. which is positive part of this book.
Book was originally published as a collection of information by his mother for the people writing Alan's biography in future, so they could utilize these records in future. The book majorly is divided into two sections : one main biographical by Sara Turing and other by John Turing. One can clearly tell Alan's mother was very proud of him, it was too much distraction from his actual personality trait, which clearly his mother was not aware of. Of all the letters and records that are cited by Sara, none of them talks about his sexuality and engagement. Which, Alan himself said was a 'simple' part of him. There are gaps like this, which are addressed by the brother John to complete the entire picture. This book gives a reader a perspective of more about the way his family perceived him. For his mother, he was the intelligent good kid.
It's still an interesting read, the information of all the period when his father was posted overseas and his mother wrote letters is raw. which is positive part of this book.
June 20, 2022
No soy muy de leer biografías, este libro esta escrito por la madre de Alan Turing, nos habla con detalles de su infancia y de su carácter, pero omite muchos detalles del trabajo desempleado en la Segunda Guerra Mundial y su muerte.
Le he dado 3 estrellas porque me gustaria que contara mas cosas sobre la guerra y sus últimos años de vida, es lo que mas llama la atención de la vida de Turing, y en este libro se omite, pero para conocer detalles de su vida esta bien leerlo,ademas es un libro cortito de 300 páginas.
Le he dado 3 estrellas porque me gustaria que contara mas cosas sobre la guerra y sus últimos años de vida, es lo que mas llama la atención de la vida de Turing, y en este libro se omite, pero para conocer detalles de su vida esta bien leerlo,ademas es un libro cortito de 300 páginas.
June 19, 2017
Turing's mum writes about his life from her perspective and then his brother throws in his two bobs worth 'just to make it more real'. Fascinating reading. You don't get an insiders view of Bletchley Park so much as an outsiders view of the man himself and the struggles he faced to connect with others as he saved the free world, but lost his own world soon after. It's almost a time capsule as the writers views -his family - seem very much from another era.
January 17, 2018
Here is the book that will make a reader conclude that Alan Turing's mother either honestly did not know he was a homosexual, or had her head buried so far in the sand she could see China.
In a commentary from Alan's brother John, we also learn that he hated homosexuals.
Despite these things, the book is worth a read, but prepare to grit your teeth at times at the small mindedness of Alan's own family.
In a commentary from Alan's brother John, we also learn that he hated homosexuals.
Despite these things, the book is worth a read, but prepare to grit your teeth at times at the small mindedness of Alan's own family.
January 16, 2018
Wow! Certainly one of the most important books for me.
This edition is a "must read" to anyone interested in Alan Turing because, at the end of the book, they added a section written by his brother which fills in some gaps left by his mother.
LOVELY. I had a lot of fun getting to know more about Alan.
This edition is a "must read" to anyone interested in Alan Turing because, at the end of the book, they added a section written by his brother which fills in some gaps left by his mother.
LOVELY. I had a lot of fun getting to know more about Alan.
March 30, 2020
This book is more about Turing`s mother view of him not about the real Turing himself. It is too sweet like a caramel candy with sugar, honey, chocolate, more sugar and more honey...So you can`t stand this story by the end of the book. Only Turing`s brother tried to describe him a little more realistic.
But even so this is must have to read for those who like Alan.
But even so this is must have to read for those who like Alan.
January 17, 2023
Interesting look into what Alan Turing was really like. The fact his mum wrote it means there's so many details and stories that only she would know. It felt very personal and brought him to life. I'm glad this exists so that his memory lives on.
August 2, 2017
Excellent biography. Especially fascinating for the differences in tone between the mother and the brother. A fascinating person presented by a caring mother.
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December 26, 2020I'm just getting started, so there's nothing very interesting to say.
July 6, 2021
Interesting and intriguing - it doesn’t really explain the ‘Enigma machine’ work but rather what Turing was like. The old-fashioned opinions of being gay riled me but mercifully the book was short.
August 20, 2024
definitely some biases and flaws but an enjoyable book to read alongside other books on turing
May 2, 2014
Some 30 years ago I received as a Father's Day present Andrew Hodges's biography of Turing. Recently this bio by his mother was re-released, having been published in 1959. It might better be called a memoir, except that she did not know her son very well. He lived with foster parents for many years since she and her husband were in the foreign service in India for most of his childhood. The book reads more like a hagiography, as she quotes endless letters she got after his death in 1954 praising him and his work. Her piece is followed by a memoir by his older brother that can only be described as a rebuttal of his mother's account, where he reveals (though withholds the evidence) that Alan hated his mother, and that he was vastly weirder than his mother would have us believe. All of this shows why it is important that there be objective biographers, who have material like this as a source, along with much else, from which to work. The key issue is whether Alan committed suicide, or died accidentally--the mother making the case that it must have been accidental. Many interesting personal details, but worth reading only in connection with Hodges's biography to (try to) make sense of it all. Another illustration (along with Wittgenstein) of just how odd true geniuses can be.
June 9, 2014
I suppose a majority of this is written in a different time so a lot is to be forgiven.
His mother's portrait of Turing was obviously biased and rightfully so. It is so painfully obvious she knew little of her son. It grew thin like reading your colleagues children's report cards...line....by excruciating line.
His brothers account was disgraceful. It reaked of jealousy. His entire account was simply to discredit his brother while fainly attempting to play up his status. There was a comment about his own escapades bringing home pretty girls every six months so I suppose that is how he justified comparisons.
The overly optimistic version his mother paints coupled with the extremely pessimistic one his brother paints brings the reader know here closer to understanding the real Turing.
I must say, this has been a disappointing book. I give it one star just out of respect to Turing himself and another because it did contain some fairly unique source material.
I think there are far better references about Turing avaliable, do not be fooled into thinking just because family wrote this that it is either well written, organized, factual or insightful in any way.
His mother's portrait of Turing was obviously biased and rightfully so. It is so painfully obvious she knew little of her son. It grew thin like reading your colleagues children's report cards...line....by excruciating line.
His brothers account was disgraceful. It reaked of jealousy. His entire account was simply to discredit his brother while fainly attempting to play up his status. There was a comment about his own escapades bringing home pretty girls every six months so I suppose that is how he justified comparisons.
The overly optimistic version his mother paints coupled with the extremely pessimistic one his brother paints brings the reader know here closer to understanding the real Turing.
I must say, this has been a disappointing book. I give it one star just out of respect to Turing himself and another because it did contain some fairly unique source material.
I think there are far better references about Turing avaliable, do not be fooled into thinking just because family wrote this that it is either well written, organized, factual or insightful in any way.
March 27, 2012
It's basically three biographies. The first one, really a short foreword, by L. Irvine and M. Davis, which try to give a more current interpretation of the life of Alan Turing and the other two biographies in the book: the main one written by Sara, Alan's Mother, and the third one by John, Alan's brother. The latter two are interesting in that they display a very different perspective on the quality of person that Alan was; and that was actually John's explanation on why he was pushed to write an alternative biography, since he thought her mother was too biased and didn't know some details about Alan that John was not willing to publish until after her death.
Overall, it was an interesting book, since it gives you a perspective from his mother and brother, but I'm sure there are better, more current biographies of Alan Turing out there that are able to give a better understanding of the complex man that he was.
Overall, it was an interesting book, since it gives you a perspective from his mother and brother, but I'm sure there are better, more current biographies of Alan Turing out there that are able to give a better understanding of the complex man that he was.
January 5, 2017
In England of the 50s being homosexual was a crime. Trump will try to outlaw gay marriages and sexual freedom to decide.
I think this is tragic for two reasons:
- People have the right to decide their way of life.
- Homosexuals annoyed do not progress, as citizens can have great virtues and value.
Here is the example of Alan Turing. The genius who invented and contributed his mathematics to the functionality of the modern computer. In addition it helped to decipher the codes of the German navy helping to defeat that country.
And how did your country pay you? Accusing him of being homosexual and intimidating him (he could have run from his job and put him in jail).
And the consequence: his suicide.
Interesting to know the life of Alan, the prejudices of this time and his own family. The book had me transported to Cambridge and his free-thinking way of working.
I think this is tragic for two reasons:
- People have the right to decide their way of life.
- Homosexuals annoyed do not progress, as citizens can have great virtues and value.
Here is the example of Alan Turing. The genius who invented and contributed his mathematics to the functionality of the modern computer. In addition it helped to decipher the codes of the German navy helping to defeat that country.
And how did your country pay you? Accusing him of being homosexual and intimidating him (he could have run from his job and put him in jail).
And the consequence: his suicide.
Interesting to know the life of Alan, the prejudices of this time and his own family. The book had me transported to Cambridge and his free-thinking way of working.
November 27, 2014
If you want a book that details Turing's life during the war and what he did to help end it early (and why the movie was made about him), this is not it. Not sure why so many people on the Amazon reviews complained about this not being a bio about him and blah, blah.... the forward clearly states that Sarah Turing wrote this to be used as a reference when someone else wrote a biography. I learned some interesting things and skimmed over some others. A quick read with some interesting tidbits.
April 14, 2015
Admittedly, Sara Turing paints a too saintlike picture of her son, Alan Turing. However, it still provides some wonderful insights into Alan and into his relationship with his mother.
I thought the account of his brother John at the end was appalling - some parts may have been true, especially compared to his mother's too-wonderful depiction, yet his crude phrasing and opinions sadly made me finish the book with a bitter aftertaste in my mouth.
I thought the account of his brother John at the end was appalling - some parts may have been true, especially compared to his mother's too-wonderful depiction, yet his crude phrasing and opinions sadly made me finish the book with a bitter aftertaste in my mouth.
April 19, 2025
This was very touching. It was clear that at times Turing's mother had absolutely no understanding of her son's mathematical breakthroughs, because who does, but she cobbled something together as best she could. This was her idea of what would make him look good and be good for his legacy, which is not necessarily the same as the modern reader's.
October 19, 2013
Of course Turing was a marathoner (this marathon thing is following me...). Happy to know how odd he was, a non-conformist person. Looking forward to play this running chess: "an experiment to throw light on the physiological effects of violent exercise on the functioning of the brain". :D
July 3, 2012
Good short bio of Turing. Less emphasis on his work than on the pure biographical narrative but an interesting look at an interesting character.
March 9, 2015
A biography written by Alan Turing's mother. A good read if you are interested in Turing's early life, for the later stage is not covered much here.
September 18, 2015
An interesting take on a man who is just now coming into the limelight to the general public as a 'war hero' and genius.
March 2, 2016
This biography was written in 1959 by Turing's mother with a chapter by his younger brother. As such, there were stories that were personal but nothing objective. Interesting account of his life.
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